Malacañang defends: Duterte was joking about Roxas-Loot remark

FILE: President Rodrigo Roa Duterte delivers his speech during the activation of the 11th Infantry Division (11ID) at Kuta Heneral Teodulfo Bautista Headquarters (KHTBH) in Jolo, Sulu on December 17, 2018. VALERIE ESCALERA/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

Malacañang on Wednesday, December 19,  came to the defense of President Rodrigo, claiming that the latter was just joking when he linked former Interior Secretary Mar Roxas to the failed ambush of Daanbantayan, Cebu Mayor Vicente Loot seven months ago.

“I read the transcript. It appears to me, since there was this sound of ‘pssss,’ so it appears to me to be said in jest given the fact that then General Loot is a pet peeve of the President because he is involved in drugs,” Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo told reporters when sought for reaction regarding Duterte’s remark.

“And Mr. Loot is a known protégée of Secretary Roxas. So I think it was more of an expression of displeasure said in jest,” he added.

In a speech in Davao City on Tuesday, Duterte asserted that he was not the one who ordered the ambush for Loot, instead, he pinned the blame to Roxas.

Loot, a retired police general, survived the ambush last May in Daanbantayan, but some of his companions were injured. Duterte earlier linked Loot to the illegal drug trade, however, the mayor denied the allegation.

During the briefing, the media asked Panelo if he thinks it is “proper” for Duterte to say such “joke” that could make a serious accusation against Roxas, who will run for the senator in 2019 elections.

“If it is a joke, then it’s not an accusation. And as the President says, you can’t stop me from making jokes,” the spokesman said.

“Whether it is necessary or not, that is his style. And that style has been factored when he was running for the presidency and was voted into office overwhelmingly given that input on his style,” he continued.

Panelo also does not think that Duterte’s joke can be tantamount to bullying.

As of writing, Roxas has not yet issued any statement regarding the President’s remark, but Caloocan Rep. Edgar Erice, the former Interior Secretary’s party mate in the Liberal Party (LP), said Roxas does not want to make the issue a big deal.

“Secretary Mar is appealing to everyone to level up discussions in the coming election campaign. It is better to talk about issues such as our economy,” Erice earlier told GMA News.